What's up ESB, I know in the good ol days, when guys has balls the size of watermelons, fighters use to scrap it out until their opponent was either knocked out or no longer able to continue. Now the questions I have are: What time period did fighters start to box cautiously in order to out point their foes? How did boxing fans respond to this type of fighting? Thanks
Exactly my thoughts, Burt. If someone repeated Dempsey's style and technique in the modern era they'd be getting knocked out, quick sharp. And if someone repeated Bob Fitzsimmons style and technique they'd be laughed out of the arena
In a 45 round fight you need to pace yourself. In a 6 round fight you'd better be throwing a lot of leather. The rules, equipment and PEDs dictate the way fighters fought in the past and how they fight now. It works both ways. Send the top guys today back in time, take away their "science" and make them use the old equipment and their styles would change accordingly.
The main change in all sports is video analysis. This has essentially made all sports more defensive.
Since the very beginnings there have been men who used these tactics. Fight fans have always typically gone for the more exciting, balls to the wall styles of fighter. The opinion of the casual fan hasn't changed much.